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NFL Power Rankings 2019: Raiders have helmet issues, Browns hype grows

By Randy Gurzi

NAPA, CA - AUGUST 05: A detail of a helmet during the Oakland Raiders Training Camp at the Napa Valley Marriott on August 5, 2009 in Napa, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
NAPA, CA - AUGUST 05: A detail of a helmet during the Oakland Raiders Training Camp at the Napa Valley Marriott on August 5, 2009 in Napa, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 08: Chris Lindstrom #63 of the Atlanta Falcons lines up in the first quarter during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 08: Chris Lindstrom #63 of the Atlanta Falcons lines up in the first quarter during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

18. Atlanta Falcons (17)

Like many teams, the Atlanta Falcons didn’t play all their starters in Week 1 and the ones who did were quickly sent to the sidelines. While the reasoning for this makes sense for any team, it was even more understandable for the Falcons than anyone else.

In 2018, Atlanta saw their hopes of making another run at the Super Bowl shot as they dealt with a plethora of injuries on both sides of the ball. Star players such as running back Devonta Freeman, linebacker Deion Jones, and safety Keanu Neal all missed significant time which hindered their chances.

Atlanta’s decision-makers (head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff) did understand that they had other problems as well, with their offensive line being the No. 1 issue. Due to that, they drafted guard Chris Lindstrom and tackle Kaleb McGary in the first round which they hope solidifies the right side of the line.

Should that work, it will give former MVP Matt Ryan more time to work the ball down the field to his talented receiving corps that features Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, and Calvin Ridley. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them much better this season than the last, as long as their defense can get back on track following a year of injuries.

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